Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Homonym Test


Hey everyone, welcome to Grammar Day here on Seriously Write. Annette here. Let’s play with homonyms again, shall we?

You insert the correct homonym (homograph or homophone) into the spaces provided from the list. You may not use every choice. Have fun! (Answers below.)

1. REIGN/REIN/RAIN

We’re going to have to ______ in the enthusiasm on our gardening project if the weather turns to _______.

2. VEIN, VAIN, VANE

The weather ______ says winds are north by northwest. That’s why they’re so cold. Is it ______ to brag? I’m sure it’s not in the same ______ as humility.

3. LEAD, LED

Just because you’re ______ by the same notions, doesn’t mean people will follow your ______. Can you tell me when they exchanged the ______ in pencils out for graphite?

4. VALE, VEIL

They were married down in the ______, and she wore the most beautiful ______.

5. HEARTY, HARDY

He offered a _________ handshake, proving he was hale and _________. A synonym for hale is _________, ironically, considering the idiom doesn’t reflect this.

6. BAIL (OUT), BALE (OUT)

She offered to _____ him out so he could go back to making hay _____s.

ANSWERS

1. REIGN/REIN/RAIN

We’re going to have to rein in the enthusiasm on our gardening project if the weather turns to rain.

2. VEIN, VAIN, VANE

The weather vane says winds are north by northwest. That’s why they’re so cold. Is it vain to brag? I’m sure it’s not in the same vein as humility.

3. LEAD, LED

Just because you’re led by pure motives, doesn’t mean people will follow your lead. Can you tell me when they exchanged the lead in pencils out for graphite?

4. VALE, VEIL

They were married down in the vale and she wore the most beautiful veil.

5. HEARTY, HARDY

He offered a hearty handshake, proving he was hale and hearty. A synonym for hale is hardy, which is ironic considering the idiom doesn’t reflect this.

6. BAIL, BALE

She offered to bail him out so he could go back to making hay bales.

How’d you do? I see these little guys (homonyms) everywhere and keep a running list. If you know of a great resource online that gives an "exhaustive" or thorough list, please post the link in a comment below. Aren't words fun?!